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Child Protection “Prohibited Employment Declaration” This form must be completed by any person (paid or voluntary) acting in an official capacity at any Futsal event conducted by the Western Force Futsal Club Inc where participants are aged under 18 years. Download sign and return with W.F.F.C. registration form. Coaching kids in Sport manual All you need to know when you are coaching kids. What is child abuse? Child abuse is a term used to describe ways in which children are harmed, usually by adults and often by those they know and trust. It is anything that individuals or organisations do, or fail to do, that directly or indirectly harms children or damages their prospects of a safe and health development. It includes: Physical abuse – which results in non-accidental injuries: Emotional abuse – which causes psychological or emotional damage: Neglect – which results in ill health Sexual abuse – which includes a range of sexual activity and exploitation of Children which can result in physical and/or psychological damage.
In its most serious forms, abuse can lead to death or long-term harm to the physical or emotional well-being or a child or young person. It also has long-term consequences for the child’s family, friends and sometimes the community – including the sporting community. Research indicates that: 1.4 girls and 1.8 boys under the age of 18 will be sexually abused Child abuse is significantly under reported Only 10% of abusers appear in court. Every abuser will impact upon the lives of between 70 and 100 children during his/her life time
The reporting of abuse against children has increased significantly over recent years. This is due in part to programs designed to educate young people to come forward and report incidents of suspected abuse: greater community awareness: organisations implementing tighter checking process and the introduction of new child protection legislation. Is child protection and child abuse an issue for sport? 2001 – former magistrate found guilty on nine child sex abuse charges. – the abuse was of junior lifesavers (nippers) aged 7-13 when the accused was a state and club junior lifesaving coach. 2001 – retired professional female jockey alleges she was sexually assaulted for 11 years by males working within the horse racing industry – the abuse began when she was 11 years old. 2000 – junior soccer coach jailed for 11 years after pleading guilty to 104 paedophile offences against four of his young players (aged between 10 and 12) 2000 – hockey coach pleaded guilty to allegations of indecent assault on a player under his care. 1999 – Olympic Assistant Softball coach charged for numerous sexual offences against a 17 year old under his supervision and care 1999 – triathlon coach pleads guilty to molesting a 13 year old female swimmer he was training 11 years previously. 1999 – rugby league coach (and senior policeman) jailed for sexually assaulting a 14 year old rugby league player he had been coaching. 1999 – athletics coach jailed for sexually assaulting a 14 year old girl he was coaching. 1998 – Rugby league international Peter Jackson dies from drug overdose. Family state drug abuse was due to his being sexually abused by his football coach as a schoolboy. 1997 – -Sydney swimming coach committed to stand trial for sexually assaulting one of his 15 year old male athletes. 1997 – Australian cycling team assistant coach at Paralympic Games pleads guilty to two charges of indecently dealing with a 12 year old. 1996 – Former Australian Football Club coach jailed for sexual offences against young boys he coached.
Child Protection Enforcement Agencies in many states have also indicated a dramatic increase in paedophilia activity in sport, particularly as other areas involving children, such as Scouts and schools, have tightened up their checking control and preventative mechanisms. In addition to these reported incidents of sexual abuse, results from doctoral study conducted by a Senior Psychologist at the AIS indicate that: 21% of male athletes and 31% of female athletes, in both club and the elite sport, reported experiencing sexual abuse at some point in their lives. These statistics are similar to other community prevalence data, as mentioned earlier, but what is relevant to sport is that of these sexually abused athletes 46% of the elite group and 25% of the club group reported being sexually abused within the sport. The above are all incidences of sexual abuse of children – there are many more, mainly unreported, incidences and behaviours that can amount to child abuse. These can include Inappropriate training techniques that give extra physical loads To children as “punishment”
This can be dangerous to the health of children who are already physically tired. Children should be emotionally prepared for any activity in order to perform it confidently, safely and without anxiety.
Giving children illegal or inappropriate drugs that may affect their physical or psychological development. Talking to children in a derogatory was or demeaning their performance in front of others. Inappropriate touching when demonstrating techniques. Physical aggression when disciplining a child.
Sport is a particularly vulnerable area for potential child abuse because it:
Involves a large number of people under the age of 18: Frequently involves overnight trips (e.g. training camps or competitions) and: Usually involves close relationships between adults and children, where the adults are in positions of trust and able to assert authority and power over children.
The most common characteristics of all forms of abuse against children are an abuse of power or authority, or a breach of trust. Child protection is an issue and a responsibility for the sports industry – and people working in sport need to be clear about their moral and legal obligations to protect children. Child protection and intervention legislation and what it means for sport. Child abuse is illegal in all states and territories of Australia with each having their own laws that cover the reporting of child abuse and the protection of victims. Recently New South Wales (2000) and Queensland (2001) introduced child protection and intervention legislation that applies to several industries/sectors, including sport and recreation, and affects all people working with children. Basically, the legislation in both states broadens the checking process of those who want to work with children. The principle behind the laws is simple. Children should be safe wherever they are and who ever they are with. They should be safe at home and when they are in places of learning, sport of play.
New South Wales Legislation
Under NSW legislation employers are required to:-
Ask all paid and unpaid staff who primarily work with children to sign a declaration stating that they are not a “prohibited person” (that is someone convicted of a serious sex offence) Check the background of preferred applications for paid “child-related employment” (see below for definition). The background screen involves a national criminal record check of relevant crimes such as child abuse, child pornography, sexual activity, acts of indecency, completed disciplinary proceedings that involve child abuse, and relevant apprehended violence orders. It does not reveal crimes that are not relevant such as speeding or drink driving fines. Provide the NSW Commission of Children & Young People with details of any relevant disciplinary proceedings that have been completed against an employee within the last five years and any that happen in the future. Not employ a prohibited person in child-related employment. There is also a requirement for employees to declare whether they are a prohibited person or not. If they are a prohibited person they must cease child – related employment within one month.
Child-related employment is Disciplinary proceedings
“Disciplinary proceedings” means action against an employee (voluntary or paid) involving child abuse, sexual misconduct or acts of violence where children were present or were directed at children.
In NSW, sporting organisations need to request screening checks through an approved screening agency. The relevant agency for sport if the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation. Organisations must register with the Department to obtain an employer ID number for work conducted in NSW in order to be able to request the relevant checks. National and state organisations based outside NSW may also apply for an employer ID number for when they conduct camps, competitions and other junior sporting activities in NSW.
There is no cost to sporting organisations for mandatory checks. The time turn around on checks is a minimum of 24 hours to a maximum of 10 working days (if you are requesting a large number of checks) The issue of screening volunteers and existing staff has been a contentious one since the introduction of the child protection legislation in NSW. Originally volunteers were to be screened from January, 2001. It will now probably be late 2003. The NSW Commission will advise NSW sporting organisations, and those who are registered with the Department, when it will be mandatory to conduct screens for volunteers and for existing staff. Soccer NSW can provide relevant forms, and advise and more detailed information regarding the NSW legislation and your responsibilities.
Checklist for minimising the risk of child abuse
Legislation alone isn’t enough to protect children and other measures need to be considered. To provide a safe environment for children in your club or association and to minimise the risk of child abuse occurring clubs and associations will also need to implement a range of policies, practices and strategies. Such strategies provide additional security for junior members and also protect adult members from false accusations of abuse.
Effective strategies include:
Adoption of child protection policy – this is a clear statement that child abuse is not acceptable and is criminal behaviour, and lists the actions which will be taken in such instances/ Ensure that your club and/or associations constitution, regulations and by laws support the policy and allow it to be enforced. Adopting a code of conduct for all members, officials and parents. Require everyone to sign it and to renew their pledge on a regular basis (e.g. with annual Membership registration at A.G.M. Encourage positive behaviours in your club or association. Adopting thorough recruitment practices such as having job descriptions for all roles (paid or voluntary) Using a screening procedure whereby high- risk positions (paid and voluntary) are identified and volunteers and paid persons are asked to sign a Prohibited Employment Declaration and a National Criminal Check is conducted on all paid employees. Appointing a contact officer (member protection officer) and developing procedures to ensure that allegations of abuse of children are dealt with appropriately and effectively. Ensure that the person selected receives training in child protection issues and let members know who the person is. Using accredited coaches and officials and check that their accreditation is current. Providing information to coaches and others working with children about how to recognise child abuse and give them directions on what to do if abused is reported or suspected. Conduct an educational and training program to increase awareness of child abuse. Definition : high risk positions
High-risk positions include people who go on tour or on road trips with children, or who are likely to have individual and unsupervised contact with children. An organisation’s ability to use all the processes recommended above will depend on available resources. However, the most effective resource is informed people. Increasing adults’ awareness of how abuse can happen, what to look for and fostering their sense of responsibility for the welfare of children under their care are the most effective strategies an organisation can implement.
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Wednesday, 08 September 2010 
Child Protection 
